The Coronavirus sucks! Surely that is something we can agree on together!

It has radically changed our lives, routines and crucially, how we connect with each other. With this in mind, I think it is perhaps prudent that we take the time to reflect upon how Peak Physique Studios has evolved to ensure we are able to continue delivering exceptional service to our community.

I have had a quick word from the boss, Miguel and our resident GP on their thoughts on how Peak Physique Studios has grown over the past few weeks, and the key messages on the virus that we must keep centre of mind as we remain at home.

From the Boss:

So how have we reacted, changed and evolved as a studio in light of the Coronavirus?

For starters, Peak Physic Studios and Amazon finally have something in common other than the delivery of exceptional services for their customers!

Both are companies which now provide exceptional services to our customers that are accessed digitally and delivered to your own home with ease! This is a massive change for us and is something I probably wouldn’t have envisioned having to do 12 months ago when I first started the studio.

It is a mixture of excitement and a new challenge for myself and everyone within our growing community, and something I can see we are all embracing with open arms.

The importance of physical, as well as mental and emotional well-being, is as important as ever for our community as we are forced to significantly alter our routines and remain indoors for an indefinite period of time. We need to look after each other, reach out and continue to try and live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, despite the significant challenges imposed upon us by Coronavirus.

So how have we gone so far? – Well, for starters – we are learning, and to date, we have been able to continue to deliver the high standards we have set as a company, and so long as we are forced out of the studio and into your living rooms, we will continue to push ourselves and innovate, to ensure our community is absolutely satisfied with each and every training session.

We are committed to a high-quality workout and we want to keep hearing from you all on our progress and delivery. We want you to be a part of this evolution, because we will get through this hard period as an inclusive and friendly community of people with a passion for a healthy living and lifestyle.

So for every member – old and new – thanks for sticking by us, and we will continue to do our best to push you, so long as you keep pushing us here to keep changing and evolving to meet the challenges of Coronavirus. Nevertheless, at least come the end of it all, I can proudly boast – ‘Gym owner and Gymtech entrepreneur …’

(note: A Peak Physique Studio App will not be coming to your iPhone anytime soon …).

From the Doctor:

I would like to think we are all quite aware of the intricate details of the Coronavirus, how it spreads, its symptoms and why it is important we follow Government and NHS guidance, however, I’ll just quickly recap on the key points and messages that we need to continue to follow to ensure we are doing our best to see this period of uncertainty off as quickly as possible.

Prevention – the basics:

Stay at home – Please limit any trips to the supermarket, pharmacy or markets and focus on that exercise per day (less than 1 hour per Government advice) outside being as isolated as possible, ensuring that you adhere to social distancing guidelines. We would hate for our daily exercise to be locked down too! We have continued to see groups of people meet in parks / on streets. This is devastating to see.

Connect digitally with family and friends – Stay away from the oldies and those with known medical conditions and get on Zoom or Skype or the phone to keep in contact (and please do keep in contact!). These digital platforms have been our saviour recently – keeping us connected with family / friends and our studio members. Some members have got really creative – having virtual house parties / doing family quizzes and even playing chess together online. There has been a bit in the media regarding the security of some platforms. Make sure you follow the app’s security rules – for example – having locked meetings / setting up meeting IDs and passwords. Also, not revealing anything personal goes without saying!

Social distancing – Two metres distance at all times, which can be tricky, and mean you may need to slow down and wait at times, but it’s important if we are to beat this thing quickly!

Be conscience of your actions – Be mindful of where you put your hands, your possessions and how you cover yourself to prevent exposure. This process has made me realise how often I touch my face and my hair, and now being awake to it, I can see how easily it is for transmission to easily occur.

Stay Clean – Wash your hands! Regularly! All over! For 20 seconds!

Symptoms – the basics:

The NHS has a pretty clear message on what to look out for –

A High Temperature – ‘you feel hot to touch on your chest or back’, or ‘feverish’ if I may,

A new, continuous cough – ‘coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours’

Guidelines and symptoms are evolving every day. This is a new virus (although it’s been around for a few months now). The NHS website is updated regularly and can give you further advice or information as things change. As doctors, we are receiving updates daily and changing the way we practice to make sure we are doing the best to treat any Corona patients.

If you have any concerns regarding your health or symptoms (Corona or non-corona), please do get these checked with a doctor. Yes, most GP surgeries are not allowing you to walk in anymore but we are at the end of a telephone to discuss any problems you may have. We can also video call our patients now if needed.

This time brings uncertainty to us all. We are having to change the way we work and the way we live. It’s hard not to feel anxious at this time – believe me – we are all feeling it and have all been affected by it. We have seen a rise in anxiety symptoms in the general population overall. The BBC printed an article on this recently which I thought was really helpful and have linked below.

Personally, I have developed anxieties about Coronavirus, and about the health of my family and friends. I was always been a planner and think ahead but I have suddenly found myself worrying about the future more. What it will entail?

I have in recent weeks found it very hard to switch off as during the day, at the GP surgery, I am speaking to patients about coronavirus and seeing first-hand the effects the virus has had on our local population. I am, like all doctors, seeing patients who I had been caring for prior to this illness being admitted to hospital or ITU. In the evening, after work, I am reading the latest daily guideline changes with regards to management of the coronavirus, trying to keep up with what I needed to do for the next day. I am constantly reading ways in which we as GPs have to adopt totally different ways of working, coming out of our comfort zones. I would then watch or read the news and hear more about the Coronavirus. I could not escape it. So I have had to adopt coping strategies which I thought I would share with you.

These mechanisms may seem simple but I have found really have helped me cope with the current climate.

Enjoy the little things – I have really enjoyed going for walks, appreciating the outdoors and nature itself. Miguel and I have rarely cooked together in the last 2 years due to different work patterns. I am enjoying something as simple as creating a new dish or trying a new recipe. Even sitting down to eat together when we are not rushing to go to work etc.

Limiting social media – with our jobs, we are constantly on social media. Whether it’s to connect with our studio members, do workout posts, read latest medical guidelines on gp groups or keep up to date with government plans regarding businesses. However, limiting the time I am reading about Coronavirus / work related topics has helped. At least once I week (usually Sundays) I don’t touch my phone. This has helped greatly

Mindfulness – We have recently started meditation. I do this whenever I feel anxious, stressed or sometimes before bed. There are so many good apps or podcasts now. It is hard – like training / going to the gym – but it really does help once you can train your mind to switch off.

Regular exercise & Taking regular breaks – Last week I barely did any exercise. I got engulfed with work, missed the online studio classes and didn’t go for any walks. This didn’t help with my anxiety / sleep at all! Really try and make the time. Connecting with our studio members online has also been a lifesaver. Seeing everyone really does lift our spirits.

Keep up a routine – a very valued member of PPS told me she sticks to a routine even when working from home. Ie getting up at the same time, getting dressed, putting on some make up etc. This really does help

Most importantly, keep talking to those around you and share your feelings and your worries. We will get through this, and it will be because we came together during such a challenging period as a loving and caring a community!

A big thank-you to both Miguel and Catherine on their thoughts, and I shall have another post From the Benches coming Friday 10 April!